Feeding Birds from a Hanging PlanterI remove the dead plants in the fall from my hanging plastic basket. I leave the soil in tact, and add seed over them. The birds love eating off my hanging basket while I watch. Sometimes 'mother' or 'father' stand guard while "family" eats away.
Tomatoes in a Small YardWhen I put my plants in the ground I lay them on their sides and put the dirt all the way up and over the roots and bottom leaves. Pat the dirt down good. It grows more roots and builds up the plant.
Newspaper MulchFall and winter is the perfect time to prepare a space for a garden next spring. Put down a few layers of newspaper over the spot you want to use. This will keep the weeds down and rot any sod underneath. The newspaper will work as a weed barrier and will decompose to make soil.
Herbal Gift IdeasSoon herb starts will be available. Trailing rosemary makes a wonderful gift if given some time to grow. Repot the start in a nice pot (two is nicer). Take a coat hanger and bend it into a circle or heart shape and stick it into the soil.
Weed Control for the GardenPlace pieces of newspaper between your rows or plants. Each time you mow your lawn, dump your grass clippings over the paper. You won't have anymore weed problems, and it helps out your soil when you till it under for the next year.
Ginger Ale as Rose FoodPour a can of ginger ale on your rose bushes to add nutrients without adding harsh chemicals.
Compost Jump StartDuring the winter I set a large trash can outside my kitchen door. I place my food scraps (compostable ones) in this during the winter. There is no smell as it rarely gets above freezing in Vermont during the winter.
Make a Detergent Bottle Watering CanPoke holes in the top of an old liquid laundry detergent bottle to make a watering can.
3 Month Plan for Starting a Compost Pile From the Bottom UpA layering method first devised by Sir Albert Howard in 1931 while he was doing studies in India.
Dig Bulbs for ForcingDig up bulbs now for forcing during the winter. Put them in the refrigerator...
Refresh Your House PlantsTake advantage of a light rain and set your houseplants outside. Just like giving them plant food and you don't have to pay for it. Helps keep the plants clean, too!
Compost Those LeavesRaked-up leaves make great compost and are good to dig into your garden now to enrich the soil for next year's crops.
Teepees for Sugar Pea VinesI needed "teepees" for my sugar pea vines to grow up on and had no wooden stakes. Instead of going out and buying stakes, I turned my round, metal tomato cages upside-down and tied together the three legs to form a teepee.
Planting BeetsIt's okay to plant your beet seeds a little on the heavy side. Once the plants are big enough to thin, you have two choices for the extras. One is to cook them whole as beet greens.
Use An Old Mailbox for Garden ToolsI probably saw this in a magazine, but a good way to use an old mailbox is to keep it on a post in your garden, and put your small hand tools, seeds, gloves, etc. inside of it for convenience.
Build a Beautiful Garden Pond for Under $4Below are some tips for building a cheap gardening bond.
Mark Your BulbsIf you have different varieties and colors of flowering bulb, make stakes out of old miniblinds and write the color and type on the stake. It is always harder to remember the type and color after they bloom.
More Starter PotsA way to 'make' peat pots is to cut up the 100% recycled newspaper egg cartons. Fill with soil and start your plants, transplant entire piece into ground, wetting the egg container just before placing in soil (this helps to quicken the decomposition process).
Dig Up BulbsDig up bulbs now for forcing during the winter. Put them in the refrigerator for about a month. Then plant them in pots and let them grow. Then they will be ready to plant for flowers at
Christmas time.
Pruning Fruit Trees (PDF)Productive fruit trees with an abundance of high quality fruit don't just happen. They result from good cultural practices, including pruning. Pruning is often neglected either due to a lack of pruning skills and knowledge or a fear that one is going to injure or kill the tree.
Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs (PDF)Correct pruning is an essential maintenance practice for
trees and shrubs in the home landscape. However, most
homeowners regard pruning with considerable, though
unnecessary, apprehension. Pruning is not difficult if you
understand the basics, learn why, when, and how to
prune.
Dried Blood Repellent for Deer and RabbitsDried blood should be available at your local garden store. It is a biproduct of cattle beef processing. It comes in a powdered form and is effective for discouraging deer and rabbits from eating your plants.
Make Your Own Organic Plant Fertilizer Tea Bag"For gardens to grow, they need to be fertilized. Unfortunately, commercially available fertilizers are an unregulated product that may contain toxic wastes. Happily, you can easily make your own organic plant fertilizer "tea bag" -- and save some money at the same time."
Cheap Plant PropagatorsHere in France we buy our croissants, pastries, etc. in lidded "cellophane" boxes. They come in all shapes and sizes, but all are deep and ideal as mini-propagators for seeds and/or cuttings.
Use Newspapers as Stepping StonesWe use newspapers (minus the glossy/slick ads) in our garden as stepping stones. If you have a low spot that always gets muddy, you can put down a layered section.
Avocado Pit to House PlantAfter removing the pit from an avocado, don't throw it away. Wash the pit. Stick three toothpicks around the pointy upper third of the pit. Then fill up a jar water and rest the avocado pit on the rim.
Use Styrofoam in Large PotsPlanting large flower pots. Use styrofoam to fill the pots half way. This provides good drainage and makes it easier to move the pots.
BBQ Tongs for Picking DewberriesIf you have ever went out to pick dewberries, you know how hard they are to get without getting stuck with all the little prickly vines they grow on. I have came up with the best idea how to get around this problem, a long pair of BBQ tongs.
Peanut Shells for Weed ControlI feed all of our wildlife here in the yard. I have a feeder for peanuts for the squirrels, they make a mess with the peanut shells, so I got the bright idea of using them for weed control. I put them around the flowers, and have started using them around my vegetable plants.
Put Straw on Top of Your PotatoesSince it is gardening season, here is a gardening tip. When you plant potatoes, layer straw on top. The plants will grow through and make potatoes on top of the ground. Layer straw about 2 feet deep as it will shrink down during the summer.
Easy and Frugal PondHere is a simple easy way to add a water feature to your yard. It's easy, my sons did it by themselves. At the end of summer they decided to make their wading pool into a pond.
Increase the Value of your Home for PenniesWe couldn't afford to repaint our coral pink Tucson, AZ manufactured home. And the leased lot was landscaped with large rock we couldn't even walk across without twisting an ankle.
Steer Manure for the GardenI buy steer manure blend at a discount store or home improvement store for less than a dollar to spread around by flower beds and lawn. I use those black weeping hoses for my watering system so the black manure compost makes my gardens look very neat and tidy.
Flowers and Plants Growing GuidesGuides to hundreds flowers and foliage plants... Each profile contains a detailed description and growing instructions, site and soil requirements, varieties, and special uses.
Fix a Drip Hose that SpraysDo you have a drip hose that sprays rather than drips? Rather than get rid of the hose, you can re-direct the water back down into the ground where it belongs. Simply take an empty soda or water bottle (clear plastic) and carefully cut off the neck and the bottom.
Black Plastic Weed DeterrentIn an effort to try to keep the weeds in the vegetable garden down, we mulched our vegetable garden with a sheet of inexpensive black plastic bought from the hardware store.
Ammonia and Dishsoap to Repel InsectsI use lemon scented ammonia mixed with lemon dishsoap and water to keep bugs out of the lawn. The lemon repels the insects! Mix 1 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup soap and put in hose end sprayer.
Plant Seedlings in Cracked and Chipped Tea CupsStart seedlings in cracked and chipped cups. They are cheap, can be reused year after year and actually look pretty cool. I buy cracked tea cups for dirt cheap at garage sales so I my seedlings have a tea cup theme.
Protecting Plants from StormsI tried using strips from those overabundant plastic grocery bags, and found they work just fine for tying up plants. When a storm is approaching, I go out to my garden and make sure that I've secured as many as possible of the long flexible stems.
Less Lawn, More GardenUse the space where your lawn is growing to grow food or at least use some kind of living ground cover that you do not have to use up natural resources to water, fertilize, weed and cut.
Harvest Pears Before They're RipeDon't wait to harvest pears until they've ripened on the trees because they won't be as delicious, said a horticulturist at Kansas State University.
Laundry Basket PlantersToday I was driving by someone's home and saw what I thought were pretty white "pillars" down the side of their driveway with gorgeous plant boxes sitting inside of them hanging down over the sides of the "pillars".
Starting Morning GloriesI use Coke bottles, the small regular ones, to start morning glories. When the vine gets too long, I cut it off and put it in a Coke bottle with the top cut off. I then put a string through either end and attach it to a clothes line with a paper clip or twine.
Protecting Annuals from FrostSnip your annuals off just at the bottom of the stem and put new soil and mulch around them right before the first frost.
Plastic Knives as Row MarkersSave those plastic knives from your picnic to make durable row markers. Mark plant variety and planting date with permanent marker. Push knife with handle side in the ground.
Garden Decor With Yard Sale FindsI was going through the unsold items from my yard sale. I found some wooden art frames.
Egg Shell Slug DeterrentSave your egg shells from your favorite recipe to help out your garden. Crush your clean egg shells into small, but not powdered pieces, and spread them around the base of your plants.
Storing and Caring for Lawn and Garden ToolsTake a large bucket and fill it half way with sand and the used motor oil from your car. Clean and sharpen your shovels and other cutters and place into the sand and oil to store.
Edging Your LandscapeI landscaped for twenty years. One thing I quickly learned is that soft scalloped edges in a flower bed are much more calming to the eye than squared off beds.
Starting Roses In NovemberIn November, cut a blooming rose to where you will have a Y, then bury the stem including the Y. Then put a quart jar over the rose, sealing it into the ground. Remove the jar in April and with luck you will have a rooted rose bush.
Coffee Grounds and Egg ShellsDon't throw away your coffee grounds or egg shells, instead as you turn the potting soil in your house plants, add the grounds and shells for healthier house plants.
Shoe Covers in the GardenPlastic food storage bags make great shoe covers when you're working in the muddy garden. Slip 2 bags over each shoe and secure them with rubber bands around your ankles.
Cheap Gifts From Root CuttingsRoot several plant cuttings in soil in empty sour cream or cottage cheese containers, yogurt containers or cut down plastic bottles. Drill or punch a few drainage holes.
Winterizing Your MowerAt the end of the grass-cutting season, drain both gasoline and oil from your lawn mower. Oil should be drained so that corrosive contaminants won't have all winter to damage internal parts.
Winterize Your EvergreensEvergreens, especially newly planted ones, can be damaged by winter sun and winds, which dry the foliage. Shield them with burlap stapled to stakes set 6 inches away from the plants on all sides.
Coffee Can Ash ApplicatorA coffee can makes a handy shaker for applying ashes to your garden. Simply punch holes in the plastic lid with a leather punch, fill the can with ashes, and you're ready to go.
Watering Hanging House PlantsWater hanging plants with a few ice cubes, rather than the watering pail. The cubes will melt slowly and will be absorbed whereas water poured in often runs straight through and pours out.
Raking the Leaves Onto a TarpIt's the time of year for raking leaves! Make it easier on your back by using an old sheet, large tablecloth or discarded shower curtain as a tarp.
Plastic Garbage Can Compost ContainerFor a quick compost container, an old garbage can with the bottom cut out will do the trick. Just toss in fruit peels, vegetable scraps and the like, and pop on the lid.
Tea Kettle Flower PotsWhen my children were young and still living at home, they made a habit of burning my tea kettles dry. I decided to plant flowers, and/or herbs in them. They look really cute outside or inside!
Free Wintertime Bird FoodThis is how to make a bird feeder for absolutely no cost. First, I ask the butcher in my supermarket for suet. I've never been charged for this because they throw it away anyway. Then I tie the suet in an empty mesh onion bag and hang it from a tree.
Saving Plant TagsI save all of my plant tags and information about where I bought them so that I can purchase the best producing annuals again from the same merchant for the following spring.
Don't Over Water Your Indoor PlantsYou can love your plants to death. Over watering can do them great harm, almost a sure death for them.
Forcing Bulbs For The HolidaysPlan now for your holiday bulb display. You can have a dishful of paper whites a bloom in as little as four weeks.
Starting Trees (and other plants) From SlipsI have used several methods for starting plants for my own use. I once moved on to property that had no trees. Early the next spring, with the blessing of a neighbor, I clipped very thin branches that where long and straight and more then 3 ft long and had buds barely cracked.
Composting Fall LeavesInstead of putting your raked leaves out to the road for pick up, put them in large trash bags. In spring, you have ready made compost to use in your veggie or flower garden.
Making a Climbing Plant Trellis With a Clothes HangerMake a trellis for your climbing plant (indoor or out). Shape the triangular part of a clothes hanger into any shape you like, then straighten the hook. Stick the straightened hook into the soil then train your plant around the the wire.
Insect Repellant for PlantsTo keep those pesky insects away from your plants, combine one bulb of garlic, 1 small onion, and 1 Tbsp. cayenne pepper in the blender. Mix with 1 quart water and let stand for one hour. Then add 1 Tbsp. Ivory liquid and mist your plants!
By Rachel's mom
Keeping and Organizing Plant TagsTo keep those plant tags handy pop them into a small photo album that you would slide pictures into. You can get photo albums for a reasonable price at the dollar store.
Composting Pet HairPet hair is compostable! When you brush your cat or dog, save the hair from the brush in a bag, and put it in your compost pile; it's mainly nitrogen. People's hair trimmings can be composted too!
Helping a Skunk Caught in Yoplait ContainerSkunks sometimes get their heads caught in Yoplait containers and will die if someone does not go to their aid. I take a shoebox and cut into one of the short ends, about one inch down, one inch across and one inch back to the edge.
Tips for Repotting PlantsHere are some tips for repotting plants. When repotting plants, I always hated how the soil fell through the drainage holes.
Make Planters With Old Record AlbumsA pal had a bunch of plant clippings she was wanting to get rid of at a yard sale. With not having any excess planters, she made her own planters with record albums she no longer wanted or needed.
Growing Strawberries in a WheelbarrowIf you love strawberries I have found that the best place to grow them so nothing eats them and they get the best sun all day is in an old wheelbarrow. The strawberries stay clean, they can live on the back verandah or wherever you can keep an eye on the birds etc.
Nature's ThermometersEver wonder what the temperature is?
Painted Memorial Rock For GardenOur son died in October and we made a small sitting area with a small maple tree, rock, monkey grass, and ceramics he had in his yard that we brought home.
Sterilizing SoilBefore I repot plants in soil that has been sitting in a bag in the garage or outdoors, I sterilize it and kill any hidden bugs by putting it in the oven at 200 degrees F for about an hour.
Use for Self Stick Curlers - Cactus HoldersWhat to do with those self stick curlers that just lay around in the bathroom in all different colors? They make great cactus plant holders! Fill them with dirt, and water little.
Filling Birdhouses and FeedersHere's a cheap and easy funnel to fill your bird houses. An empty 2 liter bottle cut (whatever length you want) then just put the cap end in the bird house, pour as much as you like and this is fast.
Birds As A Bad Weather PredictorWe feed the wild birds. We can tell when it clouds up a bit outside if bad weather is headed our way or not, by the way the wild birds are eating. If it appears that every bird in the county is there eating or waiting their turn to eat from your feeders ...
Pantyhose for PlantsUse old, clean pantyhose to gently adhere plants to stakes while they are growing. Simply stretch pantyhose and cut both legs into rings.
Heart and Tear Shaped Memorial Flower BedsIf you have a special person or pet you want to honor or remember, here is a design that I did in my garden. I made a heart design and a tear design by digging up the grass and making a flower garden and a shrub garden to honor someone special.
Killing Weeds on Driveways or WalkwaysVinegar can kill weeds and grass when poured full strength in cement driveways or brick walkways.
By imaqt1962
Pennies for Cut FlowersThrow a couple of pennies into the water with your fresh cut flowers to keep them alive longer!
Using Straw For Low Maintenance GardenFor a low maintenance garden I cover my garden with straw. It keeps the weeds away keeps the soil moist all the time. I grow my potatoes in a pile made from straw. It produced the best ever crop for me last year 2004.
Cleaning Philodendron LeavesCleaning philodendron leaves with a cotton ball saturated with milk will remove the dust and let them shine, shine, shine! After wiping off each leaf gently, let air dry.
Save Egg Shells for the GardenDon't throw those egg shells away! Rinse thoroughly, removing membrane inside, air dry thoroughly and put into a zippered plastic bag. Crush with rolling pin. Store in freezer until ready to add to your garden or compost pile.
Egg Shell Seed StartersI read somewhere and am looking forward to trying this with my granddaugher. Start seeds in empty egg shells. Treat the carton like a lil green house. After plants have reached a size to plant, put egg shell which you've crushed into the ground.
Make Some Gardening PantsMake a pair of gardening pants out of an old pair of jeans. Sew the pockets from a pair of old pants on the knees of a pair of jeans. Then stuff the pockets with some foam rubber. These built in knee pads really save your knees. Just remove the foam rubber when you wash the pants.
Reducing Weight of Large PotsWhen filling huge flowerpots, reduce the weight and the amount of soil you need by filling the bottom with recycled Styrofoam peanuts or even chunks of Styrofoam. I get pieces when I need them from the dumpster behind a furniture and accessories store.
Keeping Flowers BloomingTips to keep flowers blooming. Post your ideas.
Cleaning Tiller TinesThis year we decided to have a garden of our own. So my husband bought a new toy, a tiller. The problem is cleaning the tines when he's finished.
Keeping Bugs off PlantsTo help keep the worms and leaf eating bugs off your garden plants use jalapeno peppers, boil and strain, put the pepper "broth" in about a gallon of warm water and spray plants, this is a very safe bug repellent. Use about 6-8 peppers to a quart of water.
Thrifty Gardening TipsHere are some great thrifty gardening tips from Ness, all around thrifty woman extraordinaire!
After Tilling - Let the Weeds Come UpIf you have just tilled or cleared some land for planting, let it sit for two weeks so you can pull out the weed seedlings that have come up before planting. That will help you distinguish your new seedlings from the weeds.
Use Cat Hair to Keep Rabbits Away from FlowersIf you have a problem with rabbits munching on your flowers, try brushing your cat and then sprinkling the cat hair over the plants. This was the only solution that helped me after I had tried other remedies such as sprinkling cayenne pepper, human hair and blood meal over my plants.
Water Feature - Old Pump And Washtub as Frosty's...This is a two for one. After a bad wreck I was very depressed. At the time I did not have any pets, which was unusual for me. My family gave me this dog to try and help with the depression. She was about a year old at the time and refused to drink water out of anything except puddles in the back yard.
Filling BirdhousesTo fill your bird house faster make your own funnel by cutting off the bottom of a clean 2 liter bottle. Cut off what you want (the choice is yours) then put the neck of the bottle in the bird house and filler up. It's fast and less messy.
Lawnmower Tip: Using Up All The Gasif you have a gasoline engine lawnmower, always run the engine out of gas before putting it up till your next use. Also, it doesn't hurt to use a bit of gas additive in your fuel (so you don't gum up your carburator.)
Adding Iron To TreesIf any of your tree leaves or shrubs turn yellow before frost, it means they need iron. There is an excellent product on the market called Ironite.
Planting Green Pepper PlantsWhen we plant green pepper plants, my husband always places 2 or 3 book matches in the bottom of the hole before planting. It must be the sulfur in the match heads, but whatever it is, the difference is amazing.
Keep a Spare Mower Blade on HandIt doesn't hurt to keep a spare lawn mower blade on hand. Just in case you happen to run over something that might bend the one on the mower (Example: Maybe your wife or kids are doing the mowing). You might need it on a holiday when all the stores are closed.
